Monday, May 30, 2016

The Oscar Narrative: First Oscar Predictions - Best Director

First 2016 Predictions
Damien Chazelle "La La Land"
Ang Lee "Billy Lynn's Halftime Walk"
Nate Parker "The Birth of a Nation"
Martin Scorsese "Silence"
Morten Tyldum "Passengers"

Other Contenders - Denzel Washington "Fences", Clint Eastwood "Sully", Warren Beatty "Untitled Howard Hughes Project", Steven Spielberg "The BFG", Robert Zemeckis "Allied", John Lee Hancock "The Founder", Tate Taylor "The Girl on the Train", David Frankel "Collateral Beauty", Richard Linklater "Everybody Wants Some!!", Jeff Nichols "Midnight Special", Jeff Nichols "Loving", Byron Howard and Rich Moore "Zootopia", Andrew Stanton "Finding Dory", Niki Caro "The Zookeepers Wife", Jon Favreau "The Jungle Book", Derek Cianfrance "The Light Between Oceans", Stephen Frears "Florence Foster Jenkins", Gary Ross "Free State of Jones", Denis Villenueve "Story of Your Life", Joel and Ethan Coen "Hail, Caesar!", Gareth Edwards "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story", Peter Berg "Deepwater Horizon", David Wichod "War Machine", Oliver Stone "Snowden", Tom Ford "Nocturnal Animals", Kenneth Lonergan "Manchester By the Sea", Anthony and Joe Russo "Captain America: Civil War", Mira Nair "The Queen of Katwe", Rob Reiner "LBJ", Tim Miller "Deadpool", Antoine Fuqua "The Magnificent Seven", Terry George "The Promise", Ewan McGregor "American Pastoral", Kelly Reichardt "Certain Women", Amma Asante "A United Kingdom", Jodie Foster "Money Monster", Garth Davis "Lion", Mike Mills "20th Century Women", Stephen Gaghan "Gold", James Gray "The Lost City of Z", Asghar Farhadi "The Salesman", Yorgos Lanthimos "The Lobster", Robert Eggers "The Witch", Terrence Malick "Knight of Cups", Liza Johnson "Elvis & Nixon", Woody Allen "Cafe Society", Rebecca Miller "Maggie's Plan", Shane Black "The Nice Guys", Paul Feig "Ghostbusters", Paul Greengrass "Jason Bourne", David Ayer "Suicide Squad", Tim Burton "Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children"

Commentary - Can Ang Lee win a third Oscar? In case you were wondering, the answer is: hell yeah he can! The initial footage of Billy Lynn's Halftime Walk received raves at CinemaCon, the book source is fantastic, and the first trailer looks promising with a great cast and story. It remains one of my most anticipated of 2016. Also high on my list is La-La Land. Damien Chazelle was probably a close sixth place for Whiplash a few years ago, and this one will be more high-profile and is already on folks radar. We haven't had a musical get a Best Director nod in a long time, but if anybody can make it work it is probably the hugely talented Chazelle. Another young talent is Nate Parker whose The Birth of Nation rocked Sundance and is getting a great distribution deal with tons of Oscar buzz. After two years of #OscarsSoWhite, there is a chance that not only some black actors get nominated, but that Parker joins the elite list of black directors with Oscar nominations. From what I hear, it would be well-deserved. Morten Tyldum got a nod for The Imitation Game (a film that people still love and talk about, I'm still kind of surprised it couldn't overtake the cynical Birdman). This time he tackles a sci-fi story with two of the world's biggest stars Jennifer Lawrence and Chris Pratt. We know it will make a ton of money, but can he become this year's Mad Max, and ride a normally ignored genre to Oscar glory? I wouldn't bet against him. Finally, at least one old stalwart has to make the cut, and a few years after riding the late-breaking Wolf of Wall Street to another nomination, Scorsese looks to strike again with his historical epic Silence. Those are my current top five, but this race is going to be a fun one to watch. Denzel is bringing Fences to the screen, and some legends like Beatty, Spielberg, Zemeckis, Eastwood, all previous Best Director winners are in the mix. There are the likes of John Lee Hancock and Tate Taylor who have directed actors to Oscar wins, looking for their first directing nomination. What about some more unknown or at least previously ignored guys like David Frankel, Jeff Nichols, Denis Villenueve (although Sicario has put him on the map), Tom Ford, Kenneth Lonergan, Derek Cianfrance, Peter Berg, Mike Mills, Yorgos Lanthimos and David Wichod. Since Kathryn Bigelow won in 2009, there has yet to be a female nominee (they owe Ava DuVernay a nod). So what about Niki Caro, Mira Nair, Kelly Reichardt, Amma Asante, Rebecca Miller or Jodie Foster? What about some veterans like Rob Reiner, Gary Ross, Antoine Fuqua, Terry George, Stephen Frears, the Coen Bros, Oliver Stone, Asghar Farhadi, Richard Linklater, Woody Allen, Paul Greengrass, Terrence Malick, and Tim Burton. Then, and I know this is probably me just trying to fill space, but we cannot ignore the big guys. So watch out for Favreau, the Russo Bros, Gareth Edwards, Stanton, Howard and Moore, Miller,  and Feig, who hope to ride box office glory to Oscar gold.

Saturday, May 28, 2016

2016 Emmy Contenders: Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series

2016 Contenders
Uzo Aduba "Orange is the New Black"
Christine Baranski "The Good Wife"
Emilia Clarke "Game of Thrones"
Lena Heady "Game of Thrones"
Joanne Froggatt "Downton Abbey"
Maggie Smith "Downton Abbey"
Danielle Brooks "Orange is the New Black"
Maura Tierney "The Affair"
Constance Zimmer "UnReal"
Margo Martindale "The Good Wife"
Sissy Spacek "Bloodline"
Linda Cardellini "Bloodline"
Edie Falco "Horace and Pete"
Jessica Lange "Horace and Pete"
Alison Wright "The Americans"
Holly Taylor "The Americans"
Miranda Otto "Homeland"
Caitlin FitzGerald "Masters of Sex"
Annaleigh Ashford "Masters of Sex"
Regina King "The Leftovers"
Ann Dowd "The Leftovers"
Liv Tyler "The Leftovers"
Margaret Qualley "The Leftovers"
Portia Doubleday "Mr. Robot"
Rhea Seehorn "Better Call Saul"
Juno Temple "Vinyl"
Olivia Wilde "Vinyl"
Sophie Turner "Game of Thrones"
Maisie Williams "Game of Thrones"
Gwendoline Christie "Game of Thrones"
Phyllis Logan "Downton Abbey"
Elizabeth McGovern "Downton Abbey"
Lesley Nicol "Downton Abbey"
Penelope Wilton "Downton Abbey"
Sophie McShera "Downton Abbey"
Lily James "Downton Abbey"
Helen McCrory "Penny Dreadful"
Kate Mulgrew "Orange is the New Black"
Laura Prepon "Orange is the New Black"
Dascha Polanco "Orange is the New Black"
Selenis Levya "Orange is the New Black"
Lea DeLaria "Orange is the New Black"
Yael Stone "Orange is the New Black"
Ruby Rose "Orange is the New Black"
Taryn Manning "Orange is the New Black"
Melissa McBride "The Walking Dead"
Lauren Cohan "The Walking Dead"
Danai Guriria "The Walking Dead"
Sonequa Martin-Green "The Walking Dead"
Maggie Siff "Billions"
Malin Akerman "Billions"
Neve Campbell "House of Cards"
Kathryn Winnick "Vikings"
Calista Flockhart "Supergirl"
Gillian Anderson "Hannibal"
Eve Hewson "The Knick"
Juliet Rylance "The Knick"
Hayden Panettiere "Nashville"
Clare Bowen "Nashville"
Lennon Stella "Nashville"
Maisy Stella "Nashville"
Kourtney Hansen "Nashville"
Julie Walters "Indian Summers"
Liza Weil "How to Get Away With Murder"
Aja Naomi King "How to Get Away With Murder"
Karla Souza "How to Get Away With Murder"
Chandra Wilson "Grey's Anatomy"
Sara Ramirez "Grey's Anatomy"
Jessica Capshaw "Grey's Anatomy"
Sarah Drew "Grey's Anatomy"
Caterina Scorsone "Grey's Anatomy"
Camilla Luddington "Grey's Anatomy"
Kelly McCreary "Grey's Anatomy"
Jerrika Hinton "Grey's Anatomy"
Bellamy Young "Scandal"
Darby Stanchfield "Scandal"

Commentary - With this race, the only open slot is from Christina Hendricks, and I honestly see the rest of the bunch returning. That means a lot of names all fighting for one measly spot in this competitive race. Maggie Smith was shockingly left off the list last year, but with Downton nostalgia everywhere, and the show's final season ending with high marks, the previous winner could return. As could previous winner Margo Martindale, who had a great run on the final season of The Good Wife. Maura Tierney and Constance Zimmer won the Globe and the Critics Choice, but I don't know if either show has the clout or viewership to push them in, no matter how deserving their are. Miranda Otto, Rhea Seahorn, and Neve Campbell are all on shows that will probably be nominated for Best Drama Series, so they should not be discounted. I;m also on the lookout for the dynamic duos of Sissy Spacek and Linda Cardellini from Bloodline, and Jessica Lange and Edie Falco from Horace and Pete. Those names are just too big to ignore. Then there are the multitude of possibilities from a variety of shows including Orange is the New Black, Downton Abbey, Scandal, The Knick, How to Get Away With Murder, Grey's Anatomy, Nashville, The Knick, Billions, The Americans, Game of Thrones, The Walking Dead, The Leftovers, Masters of Sex, and Vinyl. Finally, throw in possible outsiders like Julie Walters, Helen McCrory, Gillian Anderson, Calista Flockhart, and Kathryn Winnick, and I don't know how voters choose.

Sunday, May 22, 2016

2016 BET Award Nominations

Best Male Hip Hop Artist
Drake
Fetty Wap
Future
J. Cole
Kanye West
Kendrick Lamar

Best Female Hip Hop Artist
Dej Loaf
Lil Kim
Missy Elliott
Nicki Minaj
Remy Ma

Best Male R&B/Pop Artist
Bryson Tiller
Chris Brown
Jeremih
The Weeknd
Tyrese

Best Female R&B/Pop Artist
Adele
Andra Day
Beyoncé
K. Michelle
Rihanna

Best Group
2 Chainz & Lil Wayne
Drake & Future
Puff Daddy & The Family
Rae Sremmurd
The Internet

Best Collaboration
Big Sean feat. Chris Brown & Ty Dolla $ign – "Play No Games"
Big Sean feat. Kanye West & John Legend – "One Man Can Change the World"
Future feat. Drake – "Where Ya At"
Nicki Minaj feat. Beyoncé – "Feeling Myself"
Rihanna feat. Drake – "Work"

Video of the Year
Beyoncé – "Formation"
Bryson Tiller – "Don't"
Drake – "Hotline Bling"
Kendrick Lamar – "Alright"
Rihanna feat. Drake – "Work"

Video Director of the Year
Benny Boom
Chris Brown
Colin Tilley & The Little Homies
Director X
Hype Williams

Best New Artist
Alessia Cara
Andra Day
Bryson Tiller
Kehlani
Tory Lanez

Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award
Anthony Brown & Group Therapy
Erica Campbell
Kirk Franklin
Lecrae
Tamela Mann
Tasha Cobbs

Best Movie
Beasts of No Nation
Concussion
Creed
Dope
Straight Outta Compton

Best Actor
Anthony Anderson
Courtney B. Vance
Idris Elba
Michael B. Jordan
O'Shea Jackson Jr.

Best Actress
Gabrielle Union
Kerry Washington
Taraji P. Henson
Tracee Ellis Ross
Viola Davis

Youngstars Award
Amandla Stenberg
Quvenzhané Wallis
Silentó
Willow Smith
Yara Shahidi

Sportswoman of the Year
Cheyenne Woods
Gabrielle Douglas
Serena Williams
Skylar Diggins
Venus Williams

Sportsman of the Year
Cam Newton
Kobe Bryant
Lebron James
Odell Beckham Jr.
Stephen Curry

Coca-Cola Viewers' Choice Award
Beyoncé – "Formation"
Bryson Tiller – "Don't"
Chris Brown – "Back to Sleep"
Drake – "Hotline Bling"
Future feat. Drake – "Where Ya At"
Rihanna feat. Drake – "Work"

Centric Award
Andra Day – "Rise Up"
Beyoncé – "Formation"
K. Michelle – "Not a Little Bit"
Rihanna – "Bitch Better Have My Money"
The Internet – "Under Control"

Best International Act - Africa
Aka (South Africa)
Black Coffee (South Africa)
Cassper Nyovest (South Africa)
Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)
Mzvee (Ghana)
Serge Beynaud (Cote D'ivoire)
Wizkid (Nigeria)
Yemi Alade (Nigeria)

Best International Act - U.K.
Kano
Krept & Konan
Lianne La Havas
Skepta
Stormzy
Tinie Tempah

69th Cannes Film Festival Award Winners

Palme d’Or
I, Daniel Blake

Grand Prix
It’s Only the End of the World

Director
(TIE) Olivier Assayas “Personal Shopper” and Cristian Mungiu “Graduation”

Actor
Shahab Hosseini “The Salesman”

Actress
Jaclyn Jose “Ma ‘Rosa”

Jury Prize
Andrea Arnold “American Honey”

Screenplay
Asghar Farhadi, “The Salesman”

Palme d’Honneur
Jean-Pierre Léaud

Camera d’Or
Divines

Short Films Palme d’Or
Timecode

Special Mention – Short Films Palme d’Or
The Girl Who Danced With the Devil

Ecumenical Jury Prize
It’s Only the End of the World

UN CERTAIN REGARD

Un Certain Regard Prize
The Happiest Day in the Life of Olli Mäki

Jury Prize
Harmonium

Director
Matt Ross “Captain Fantastic”

Screenplay: Delphine and Muriel Coulin, “The Stopover” (France)

Special Jury Prize
Michael Dudok de Wit “The Red Turtle"

DIRECTORS’ FORTNIGHT

Art Cinema Award
Wolf and Sheep

Society of Dramatic Authors and Composers Prize
The Together Project

Europa Cinemas Label
Mercernary

CRITICS’ WEEK

Grand Prize
Mimosas

Visionary Prize
Album

Society of Dramatic Authors and Composers PrizeDiamond Island

Friday, May 20, 2016

The 82nd Annual Drama League Award Winners

OUTSTANDING PRODUCTION OF A BROADWAY OR OFF-BROADWAY MUSICAL
Hamilton

OUTSTANDING PRODUCTION OF A BROADWAY OR OFF-BROADWAY PLAY
The Humans

OUTSTANDING REVIVAL OF A BROADWAY OR OFF-BROADWAY MUSICAL
The Color Purple

OUTSTANDING REVIVAL OF A BROADWAY OR OFF-BROADWAY PLAY
A View From The Bridge

DISTINGUISHED PERFORMANCE AWARD
Lin-Manuel Miranda "Hamilton"

DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVEMENT IN MUSICAL THEATRE
Sheldon Harnick

UNIQUE CONTRIBUTION TO THE THEATRE
Deaf West Theatre

FOUNDERS AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN DIRECTING
Ivo van Hove

The Oscar Narrative: First Oscar Predictions - Best Actor

First 2016 Predictions
Andrew Garfield "Silence"
Ryan Gosling "La La Land"
Michael Keaton "The Founder"
Nate Parker "The Birth of a Nation"
Denzel Washington "Fences"

Other Contenders - Joe Alwyn "Billy Lynn's Halftime Walk", Casey Affleck "Manchester By the Sea", Tom Hanks "Sully", Joel Edgerton "Loving", Will Smith "Collateral Beauty", Jim Broadbent "Sense of Ending", Woody Harrelson "LBJ", Woody Harrelson "Wilson", Chris Pratt "Passengers", David Oyelowo "A United Kingdom", Brad Pitt "War Machine", Brad Pitt "Allied", Don Cheadle "Miles Ahead", Ethan Hawke "Born to Be Blue", Warren Beatty "Untitled Howard Hughes Project", Michael Fassbender "The Light Between Oceans", Colin Farrell "The Lobster", Logan Lerman "Indignation", Tom Holland "The Lost City of Z", Christian Bale "The Promise", Ryan Gosling "The Nice Guys", Russell Crowe "The Nice Guys", Dev Patel "Lion", Colin Firth "Deep Water", Matthew McConaughey "Free State of Jones", Matthew McConaughey "Gold", Mark Rylance "The BFG", Joseph Gordon-Levitt "Snowden", Mark Wahlberg "Deepwater Horizon", Alden Ehrenrich "The Yellow Birds", Tye Sheridan "The Yellow Birds", Colin Firth "Genius", Andre Holland "Moonlight", Jake Gyllenhaal "Nocturnal Animals", Ben Affleck "The Accountant", Parker Sawyers "Southside With You", Gael Garcia Bernal "Neruda", Cliff Curtis "The Dark Horse", Johan Heldenbergh "The Zookeeper's Wife", Jeremy Renner "Story of Your Life", Jim Carrey "True Crimes", Chris Evans "Captain America: Civil War", Josh Brolin "Hail, Caesar!", George Clooney "Hail, Caesar!", Ryan Reynolds "Deadpool", Stephan James "Race", Taron Egerton "Eddie the Eagle", Tom Hiddleston "I Saw the Light", Blake Jenner "Everybody Wants Some!!", Ice Cube "Barbershop: The Next Cut", Keegan-Michael Key "Keanu", Jordan Peele "Keanu", Jesse Eisenberg "Cafe Society", George Clooney "Money Monster", Sam Claflin "Me Before You", Jack Huston "Ben-Hur", Edgar Ramirez "Hands of Stone", Denzel Washington "The Magnificent Seven", Tom Hanks "Inferno", Benedict Cumberbatch "Doctor Strange", Eddie Redmayne "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them", Billy Bob Thornton "Bad Santa 2", Mark Wahlberg "Patriot's Day"

Commentary - Can Michael Keaton, after starring in two back to back Best Picture winners, finally get some overdue Oscar recognition? Weinstein moved The Founder to the summer to make some money. But if he is willing to push it, and Keaton and the film look good, the overdue factor could propel him to victory. Every couple of years Denzel has a great project. This time he brings the Tony-winning Fences to screen, re-teaming up with Viola Davis (both won Tonys for the latest revival). He is directing, he starring, and if he can recreate the stage magic, he's in. Also directing himself is Nate Parker. After two years of #OscarsSoWhite there could be two black nominees here, with Nate Parker joining for the Sundance smash The Birth of a Nation. Damien Chazelle returns after Whiplash did so well two years ago, and despite solid work, Ryan Gosling hasn't been nominated now for a decade. He could get in again. Finally, Andrew Garfield. Let's forget the Spider-Man movies for a second (although I still preferred him to Tobey Maguire). This guy has been churning out great work for a while now, and the lead role in Martin Scorsese's latest sounds like Oscar bait if anything ever has. I hope he's good, and I hope that Oscar voters take notice. Those five look good for now, but this race is going to be a wild one. The first footage of Billy Lynn's Halftime Walk received raves, and newcomer Joe Alwyn could be a Lupita Nyong'o or Jennifer Hudson, and take his first major role to an Oscar. Casey Affleck got raves out of Sundance for Manchester By the Sea, Joel Edgerton is getting good reviews out of Cannes for Loving, and Colin Farrell has been on people's minds for over a year now. After missing for Captain Phillips and Bridge of Spies, I don't know if he can get in for Clint Eastwood's latest Sully, but he is definitely on the list. Jim Broadbent is getting a ton of buzz for Sense of Ending, Woody Harrelson has two potentials, as does Brad Pitt and Matthew McConaughey. Chris Pratt is now a genuine movie star, and this latest project with Jennifer Lawrence might make him an Oscar nominee as well. Michael Fassbender has another lead role based on a popular book, Tom Holland could build on his goodwill from Spider-Man with The Lost City of Z, and Will Smith could go where he couldn't last year. The Yellow Birds duo is a possibility, David Oyelowo is still owed a nod for Selma, Joseph Gordon-Levitt is playing Snowden, Mark Wahlberg is in a baity project, Gael Garcia Bernal is getting raves out of Cannes, and Parker Sawyers is playing the president. Jim Carrey, Jeremy Renner, Andre Holland, Blake Jenner, Jesse Eisenberg, George Clooney, Jake Gyllenhaal, and a whole bunch of superheroes, comedy legends, and big names are battling just to get their name in the race for these five competitive slots.

Sunday, May 15, 2016

2016 Cannes Film Festival: So Far

So far, Cannes has already exposed some strengths and weaknesses within this year's film crop. The big guys have had a middling showing at best. Money Monster has gotten mixed commercial and critical reception at best, although apparently the cast does a great job, which is not surprising. Cafe Society, Woody Allen's latest also is getting middle of the road reviews, but once again, the cast is getting a lot of praise. Of the bunch, I think Kristen Stewart is the one to watch. She has really started to make a name for herself on the indie circuit, has several roles this year that could catapult her to Oscar stardom. I don't think it will be for Cafe Society if her role in Billy Lynn's Halftime Walk is as good as we think it will be, but raves here will help her along the way, like it did for Alicia Vikander. Surprisingly, of the bigger films, it is The Nice Guys, with Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe is getting the best buzz. Apparently it is a riot, both leads are fantastic, and it smartly plays into its own ridiculous. It's not going to rake in Oscar nominations (although Critics Choice and Golden Globes are not out of the realm of possibility), but it should do good box office this summer. 

The best review film of the bunch so far out of the fest is probably Andrea Arnold's fourth feature American Honey starring Shia LaBeouf and newcomer Sasha Lane. A24, which had a great year last year with Ex Machina, Amy, and Room, all Oscar winning films, is going to put this out right in the thick of the fall season. However, it might be too ethereal to really land with Oscar voters. That being said, it has impressed critics, and will probably do well on the indie circuit. The doc race gets a new entry with Bright Lights about Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds. Probably too light for the Academy, but often (20 Feet from Stardom and Amy) entertainment docs do well. Finally, Ken Loach returns with I, Daniel Blake and Park Chan-wook with The Handmaiden, both hoping to continue their streak of well-reviewed films. So far it looks good for them. 

Cannes hasn't had a huge Oscar contender year, but there are still some interesting entries left. However, the fest looks like, as always, it is going to release some interesting films into our canon this year. 

2016 Emmy Contenders: Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series

2016 Contenders
Tony Hale "Veep"
Tituss Burgess "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt"
Ty Burrell "Modern Family"
Adam Driver "Girls"
Andre Braugher "Brooklyn Nine-Nine"
Keegan Michael-Key "Key and Peele"
Jordan Peele "Key and Peele"
Fred Armisen "Portlandia"
T.J. Miller "Silicon Valley"
Josh Brener "Silicon Valley"
Zach Woods "Silicon Valley"
Kumail Nanjiani "Silicon Valley"
Martin Starr "Silicon Valley"
Hugh Laurie "Veep"
Matt Walsh "Veep"
Reid Scott "Veep"
Timothy Simons "Veep"
Kevin Dunn "Veep"
Gary Cole "Veep"
Sam Richardson "Veep"
Laurence Fishburne "black-ish"
Miles Brown "black-ish"
Marcus Scribner "black-ish"
Ed O'Neill "Modern Family"
Jesse Tyler Ferguson "Modern Family"
Eric Stonestreet "Modern Family"
Rico Rodriguez "Modern Family"
Nolan Gould "Modern Family"
Joe Lo Truglio "Brooklyn Nine-Nine"
Terry Crews "Brooklyn Nine-Nine"
Dirk Blocker "Brooklyn Nine-Nine"
Joel McKinnon Miller "Brooklyn Nine-Nine"
Louie Anderson "Baskets"
Malcolm McDowell "Mozart in the Jungle"
Andrew Rannells "Girls"
Alex Karpovsky "Girls"
Sam Elliott "The Ranch"
Jay Duplass "Transparent"
James Brolin "Life in Pieces"
Colin Hanks "Life in Pieces"
Thomas Sadoski "Life in Pieces"
Dan Bakkedahl "Life in Pieces"
Niall Cunningham "Life in Pieces"
David Alan Grier "The Carmichael Show"
Mel Rodriguez "Getting On"
Noah Galvin "The Real O'Neals"
Jay R. Ferguson "The Real O'Neals"
Matt Shively "The Real O'Neals"
Justin Baldoni "Jane the Virgin"
Jaime Camil "Jane the Virgin"
Brett Dier "Jane the Virgin"
Mark Duplass "Transparent"
Steve Zissis "Transparent"
Taran Killam "Saturday Night Live"
Kenan Thompson "Saturday Night Live"
Beck Bennett "Saturday Night Live"
Jay Pharoah "Saturday Night Live"
Bobby Moynihan "Saturday Night Live"
Kyle Mooney "Saturday Night Live"
Pete Davidson "Saturday Night Live"
Jon Rudnitsky "Saturday Night Live"
Sam Waterston "Grace and Frankie"
Martin Sheen "Grace and Frankie"
Paul Rudd "Wet Hot American Summer"
Bradley Cooper "Wet Hot American Summer"
Michael Ian Black "Wet Hot American Summer"
Jason Schwartzman "Wet Hot American Summer"
Michael Showalter "Wet Hot American Summer"
Desmin Borges "You're the Worst"
Jeremy Allen White "Shameless"
Cameron Monaghan "Shameless"

Commentary - All six nominees from last year are returning, and throw in previous nominees like the rest of the Modern Family guys, and Fred Armisen. There are some newer contenders like Louie Anderson, David Alan Grier, the guys from The Real O'Neals, Life in Pieces, Malcolm McDowell, Sam Elliot, and the crazy popular cast of Wet Hot American Summer, but I'm not sure any of those shows are going to be the Emmy voters' radars, let alone the casts and crews. Then there are the additions from other casts to the nominees. Can any of the other guys from Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Veep, Girls or Peele make the cut? What about one or more of the guys from SNL, Jane the Virgin, Shameless, Silicon Valley, black-ish, or Grace and Frankie? At this early stage I am confident to say that a lot of last year's nominees will return, but as we know, there is usually always one surprise.

Monday, May 9, 2016

2016 Outer Critics Circle Award Winners

OUTSTANDING NEW BROADWAY PLAY
The Humans

OUTSTANDING NEW BROADWAY MUSICAL
Bright Star

OUTSTANDING NEW OFF-BROADWAY PLAY
The Christians

OUTSTANDING NEW OFF-BROADWAY MUSICAL
Dear Evan Hansen

OUTSTANDING BOOK OF A MUSICAL (Broadway or Off-Broadway)
Dear Evan Hansen

OUTSTANDING NEW SCORE (Broadway or Off-Broadway)
Bright Star

OUTSTANDING REVIVAL OF A PLAY (Broadway or Off-Broadway)
Long Day's Journey Into Night

OUTSTANDING REVIVAL OF A MUSICAL (Broadway or Off-Broadway)
She Loves Me

OUTSTANDING ACTOR IN A PLAY
Frank Langella "The Father"

OUTSTANDING ACTRESS IN A PLAY
Jessica Lange "Long Day's Journey Into Night"

OUTSTANDING ACTOR IN A MUSICAL
Danny Burstein "Fiddler on the Roof"

OUTSTANDING ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL
Cynthia Erivo "The Color Purple: The Musical"

OUTSTANDING FEATURED ACTOR IN A PLAY
Michael Shannon "Long Day's Journey Into Night"

OUTSTANDING FEATURED ACTRESS IN A PLAY
(TIE) Pascale Armand "Eclipsed" and Judith Light "Thérèse Raquin"

OUTSTANDING FEATURED ACTOR IN A MUSICAL
Christopher Fitzgerald "Waitress"

OUTSTANDING FEATURED ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL
Jane Krakowski "She Loves Me"

OUTSTANDING DIRECTOR OF A PLAY
Ivo van Hove "A View From the Bridge"

OUTSTANDING DIRECTOR OF A MUSICAL
Michael Arden "Spring Awakening"

OUTSTANDING CHOREOGRAPHER
Sergio Trujillo "On Your Feet!"

OUTSTANDING SET DESIGN (Play or Musical)
David Rockwell "She Loves Me"

OUTSTANDING COSTUME DESIGN (Play or Musical)
Jeff Mahshie "She Loves Me"

OUTSTANDING LIGHTING DESIGN (Play or Musical)
Justin Townsend "American Psycho: The Musical"

OUTSTANDING PROJECTION DESIGN (Play or Musical)
Finn Ross "American Psycho: The Musical"

OUTSTANDING SOLO PERFORMANCE
James Lecesne "The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey"

JOHN GASSNER AWARD
Marco Ramirez "The Royale"

SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
James Houghton Signature Theatre Company

Sunday, May 8, 2016

The Oscar Narrative: First Oscar Predictions - Best Actress

First Oscar Predictions
Amy Adams "Nocturnal Animals"
Annette Bening "20th Century Women"
Viola Davis "Fences"
Jennifer Lawrence "Passengers"
Emma Stone "La La Land"

Other Contenders - Jessica Chastain "The Zookeeper's Wife", Jessica Chastain "Miss Sloane", Amy Adams "Story of Your Life", Alicia Vikander "The Light Between Oceans", Lupita Nyong'o "Queen of Katwe", Emily Blunt "The Girl on the Train", Ruth Negga "Loving", Marion Cotillard "Allied", Michelle Pfeiffer "Beat-Up Little Seagull", Rosamund Pike "A United Kingdom", Meryl Streep "Florence Foster Jenkins", Cate Blanchett "Weightless", Taraji P. Henson "Hidden Figures", Rooney Mara "Una", Rebecca Hall "Christine", Naomie Harris "Moonlight", Kristen Stewart "Personal Shopper", Kristen Stewart "Cafe Society", Rooney Mara "Lion", Felicity Jones "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story", Renee Zellweger "Bridget Jones' Baby", Nia Vardalos "My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2", Ellen DeGeneres "Finding Dory", Alicia Vikander "Tulip Fever", Michelle Williams "Certain Women", Ellen Page "Tallulah", Arielle Holmes "American Honey", Naomi Watts "The Book of Henry", Cynthia Nixon "A Quiet Passion", Natalie Portman "Jackie", Anne Hathaway "Colossal", Lily Collins "Untitled Howard Hughes Film", Emma Watson "The Circle", Charlotte Rampling "A Sense of Ending", Rooney Mara "The Secret Scripture", Natalie Portman "Jane Got a Gun", Tina Fey "Whiskey Tango Foxtrot", Melissa McCarthy "The Boss", Greta Gerwig "Maggie's Plan", Emilia Clarke "Me Before You"

Commentary - There are certain Oscar moments that stick with you. Often, they are the winners that still give you joy. But often, they are the losers, the ones that you felt got robbed. The fact that Viola Davis lost that Oscar to Meryl Streep for that awful move in 2012, still stings. That's why one of the films I am looking most forward to is Fences. Denzel and Viola have already won Tonys for these roles, and both are two of our finest actors. If this film is even half as good as I expect it to be, then this might finally be the year Viola is vindicated. But she will have some competition. Jennifer Lawrence could continue to rake up Oscar nominations with Passengers, which got an incredible amount of buzz at Cinema Con. Amy Adams has two possibilities this year, and is as overdue as any current working actress. I think Noctural Animals sounds like a better chance than Story of Your Life. Annette Bening is another great actress who is way overdue for an Oscar, and 20th Century Women might finally be her ticket. Finally, after cracking that first nomination, Emma Stone returns to the Oscar race with Damien Chazelle's Whiplash follow-up La La Land, and it could earn her yet another nomination, and may her first win. These five are my current five, and while nothing is certain, they feel like safe bets at this point. Beyond those five, there is Jessica Chastain, with two potentials, neither of which feel promising, but she is a favorite at this point. Alicia Vikander could return just a year after winning with the adaptation of The Light Between Oceans, Lupita could go lead (I currently have her predicted in supporting), Ruth Negga could break through for Loving, Marion Cotillard could be winning in Robert Zemeckis' latest, and Rosamund Pike could follow up her Gone Girl success with A United Kingdom. Legends like Michelle Pfeiffer and Meryl Streep have buzzed roles. I thought Emily Blunt would be a shoo-in, but the film has to do more than the trailer did for The Girl on the Train. Taraji P. Henson is now a mega-star thanks to Empire, Kristen Stewart is finally proving her worth on the indie circuit, Rebecca Hall has been looking for that right role for a decade now, and Naomie Harris is on the rise. Throw in previous nominees/winners like Rooney Mara, Cate Blanchett, Felicity Jones, Renee Zellweger, Natalie Portman, Michelle Willians, and Anne Hathaway, and this looks to be another great year for this category..

Saturday, May 7, 2016

2016 Emmy Contenders: Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series

2016 Contenders
Allison Janney "Mom"
Anna Chlumsky "Veep"
Kate McKinnon "Saturday Night Live"
Judith Light "Transparent"
Jane Krakowski "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt"
Julie Bowen "Modern Family"
Niecy Nash "Getting On"
Mayim Bialik "The Big Bang Theory"
Diane Wiest "Life in Pieces"
Gaby Hoffman "Transparent"
Amy Landecker "Transparent"
Sufe Bradshaw "Veep"
Carol Kane "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt"
Jenifer Lewis "black-ish"
Marsai Martin "black-ish"
Yara Shahidi "black-ish"
Melissa Rauch "The Big Bang Theory"
Kaley Cuoco "The Big Bang Theory"
Kether Donohue "You're The Worst"
Bernadette Peters "Mozart in the Jungle"
Melanie Lynskey "Togetherness"
Amanda Peet "Togetherness"
Hannah Simone "New Girl"
Sofia Vergara "Modern Family"
Sarah Hyland "Modern Family"
Jaime Pressley "Mom"
Mimi Kennedy "Mom"
Frances Conroy "Casual"
Tara Lynne Barr "Casual"
Carrie Brownstein "Portlandia"
Jacki Weaver "Blunt Talk"
Aidy Bryant "Saturday Night Live"
Leslie Jones "Saturday Night Live"
Cecily Strong "Saturday Night Live"
Sasheer Zamata "Saturday Night Live"
Chelsea Peretti "Brooklyn Nine-Nine"
Melissa Fumero "Brooklyn Nine-Nine"
Stephanie Beatriz "Brooklyn Nine-Nine"
Alex Borstein "Getting On"
Betsy Brandt "Life in Pieces"
Zoe Lister-Jones "Life in Pieces"
Angelique Cabral "Life in Pieces"
Noel Wells "Master of None"
Mary Steenburgen "The Last Man on Earth"
Martha Kelly "Baskets"
Hilary Duff "Younger"
Debi Mazar "Younger"
Priscilla Faia "You Me Her"
Rachel Blanchard "You Me Her"
Loretta Devine "The Carmichael Show"
Christina Hendricks "Another Period"
Lea Michele "Scream Queens"
Niecy Nash "Scream Queens"
Jamie Lee Curtis "Scream Queens"
Keke Palmer "Scream Queens"
Molly Shannon "Wet Hot American Summer"
Amy Poehler "Wet Hot American Summer"
Kristen Wiig "Wet Hot American Summer"
Elizabeth Banks "Wet Hot American Summer"
Andrea Navedo "Jane the Virgin"
Ivonne Coll "Jane the Virgin"
Yael Groblas "Jane the Virgin"
Kristen Bell "House of Lies"
Debra Winger "The Ranch"
Paget Brewster "Grandfathered"
Debra Lawrence "Please Like Me"
Caitlin Stacey "Please Like Me"
Swoosie Kurtz "Mike & Molly"
Frances de la Tour "Vicious"
Marcia Warren "Vicious"

Commentary - This category was so tough last year, that eight nominees emerged, and all eight return to the race: Allison Janney, Julie Bowen, Gaby Hoffman, Niecy Nash, Kate McKinnon, Jane Krakowski, Anna Chlumsky, and Mayim Bialik. Honestly, while there are a lot of contenders, the final list will probably be pulled from those same eight ladies. So if anyone is going to breakthrough this group, who? Well, there legends like Carol Kane, Judith Light, and Dianne Wiest, and the rest of the supporting members of Life in Pieces and Transparent. There are the rest of the SNL cast, and the various supporting characters on Wet Hot American Summer (and its incredible cast with long Emmy histories), Scream Queens (especially Jamie Lee Curtis), You Me Her, The Big Bang Theory, Togetherness, Younger, and black-ish (particularly the extraordinary Jenifer Lewis who steals every single scene she is in, and always is good for comedic relief, even in the show's darker moments). Kether Donohue, and the whole cast of You're the Worst should be in the mix, Christina Hendricks could jump in after her Mad Men run with Another Period, and Noel Wells, Alex Borstein, Martha Kelly, and Oscar winner Mary Steenburgen could get attention for scene-stealing roles. Bernadette Peters is a legend, the girls from Mom round out a great female cast, the Jane of Virgin girls are as deserving as the rest of the show, Debra Winger is a legend, and if I had my way then the Casual supporting players, as well as the duos of Please Like Me and Vicious would be at least be in the conversation. Emmy season is upon us!

Friday, May 6, 2016

The Oscar Narrative: First Oscar Predictions - Best Supporting Actor

First Oscar Predictions
Adam Driver "Silence"
Steve Martin "Billy Lynn's Halftime Walk"
Liam Neeson "Silence"
Jack O'Connell "Money Monster"
Craig Robinson "Morris From America"

Other Contenders - Andrew Garfield "Silence", Oscar Isaac "The Promise", Marhershala Ali "Moonlight", J.K. Simmons "La La Land", Edward Norton "Collateral Beauty", Micahel Pena "Collateral Beauty", Michael Sheen "Passengers", John Goodman "10 Cloverfield Lane", John Carroll Lynch "The Founder", Nick Offerman "The Founder", Aaron Eckhart "Sully", Aaron Eckhart "Bleed for This", Jack Huston "The Yellow Birds", Forest Whitaker "Story of Your Life", Kurt Russell "Deepwater Horizon", Michael Shannon "Loving", Michael Shannon "Nocturnal Animals", Billy Crudup "20th Century Women", Jared Leto "Suicide Squad", Steve Carell "Cafe Society", Corey Stoll "Cafe Society", Joel Edgerton "Midnight Special", Lucas Hedges "Manchester By the Sea", Edgar Ramirez "Gold", Peter Saarsgard "Jackie", David Wenham "Lion", Channing Tatum "Hail, Caesar!", Colin Farrell "The Lobster", Alden Ehrenreich "Untitled Howard Hughes Project", Kevin Costner "Hidden Figures", Jeffrey Tambor "The Accountant", Riz Ahmed "Una", Ben Mendolsohn "Una", Robert Pattinson "The Lost City of Z", Robert Downey Jr. "Captain America: Civil War", Sebastian Stan "Captain America: Civil War", Armie Hammer "The Birth of a Nation", Dwight Henry "The Birth of a Nation", C. Thomas Howell "LBJ", Daniel Bruhl "The Zookeeper's Wife", Denzel Washington "The Magnificent Seven", Vincent D'Onofrio "The Magnificent Seven", Ethan Hawke "The Magnificent Seven", Ben Kingsley "War Machine", T.J. Miller "Deadpool", Hugh Jackman "Eddie the Eagle", Adam Driver "Midnight Special", Sam Shepard "Midnight Special", Cedric the Entertainer "Barbershop 3", Tye Sheridan "Last Days in the Desert", Guy Pearce "Genius", Hugh Grant "Florence Foster Jenkins", Morgan Freeman "Ben-Hur", Timothy Olyphant "Snowden", John Malkovich "Deepwater Horizon"

Commentary - This race took a lot of twists and turns last year, ending with probably the biggest surprise of Oscar night. This year looks to be just as fascinating, with a lot of potentially fantastic turns in big projects. Silence, the new Scorsese flick. If Garfield goes lead (I have in the list just in case), that leaves Liam Neeson and Adam Driver to both go supporting. The chances both make the cut are slim, but for now, I will keep both of them in the top five. Neeson could get the "career" kind of win that a lot of folks win for this category, and Driver, with Star Wars, Girls, and a dozen indie projects, is one of the hottest commodities in Hollywood right now. Money Monster looks great, but could also be more of a commercial project than an Oscar contender (we will know soon). But if it is a contender, look out for Jack O'Connell, a young talent that is making waves in a lot of top projects, and looks to have an emotional role in the film. Finally, we all know that when comedians get serious, all of the sudden people start to take them more seriously and awards can follow. Steve Martin has a buzzed role in Ang Lee's newest Billy Lynn's Halftime Walk, which got a ton of support out of Cinema Con, and Craig Robinson surprised a lot of folks at Sundance with his turn in Morris From America. These are my top five now, but I really do expect this race to have a lot of twists and turns. Oscar Isaac has created a great name for himself in a wide range of roles, from huge blockbusters to indies. The Promise could be his first Oscar nomination. Marhershala Ali had a scene-stealing turn in House of Cards, and is getting a lot of buzz for his upcoming Moonlight. J.K. Simmons could return with another Damien Chazelle project La La Land, John Goodman has rocked audiences with the surprise hit 10 Cloverfield Lane,  Aaron Eckhart has two buzzed projects this year, as does Michael Shannon. The new Han Solo Alden Ehrenreich has a bunch of projects including the upcoming Warren Beatty Howard Hughes project. Several films have multiple contenders including The Founder, Collateral Beauty, Una, Captain America, The Birth of a Nation, The Magnificent Seven, Midnight Special, and Cafe Society. Also in the mix: Michael Sheen in Passengers, Jack Huston in The Yellow Birds, Kevin Costner in Hidden Figures, Billy Crudup in 20th Century Woman, Lucas Hedges in Manchester By the Sea, Edgar Ramirez in Gold, Jeffrey Tambor in The Accountant, Robert Pattinson in The Lost City of Z, Kurt Russell in Deepwater Horizons, and Forest Whitaker in Story of Your Life. Then there is the big wildcard: Jared Leto. I don't think he will even get close to Ledger's brilliance, and Suicide Squad does not look anything close to The Dark Knight, but as always, we'll have to wait and see...

Tuesday, May 3, 2016

The 70th Annual Tony Award Nominations

Best Play
Eclipsed
The Father
The Humans
King Charles III

Best Musical
Bright Star
Hamilton
School of Rock-The Musical
Shuffle Along, Or the Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed
Waitress

Best Revival of a Play
Arthur Miller's The Crucible
Arthur Miller's A View from the Bridge
Blackbird
Long Day's Journey Into Night
Noises Off

Best Revival of a Musical
The Color Purple
Fiddler on the Roof
She Loves Me
Spring Awakening

Best Book of a Musical
Steve Martin, Bright Star
Lin-Manuel Miranda, Hamilton
Julian Fellowes, School of Rock-The Musical
George C. Wolfe, Shuffle Along, Or the Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed

Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre
Steve Martin and Edie Brickell, Bright Star
Lin-Manuel Miranda "Hamilton"
Andrew Lloyd Webber and Glenn Slater, School of Rock
Sara Bareilles, Waitress

Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play
Gabriel Byrne, Long Day's Journey Into Night
Jeff Daniels, Blackbird
Frank Langella, The Father
Tim Pigott-Smith, King Charles III
Mark Strong, Arthur Miller's A View from the Bridge

Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play
Jessica Lange, Long Day's Journey Into Night
Laurie Metcalf, Misery
Lupita Nyong'o, Eclipsed
Sophie Okonedo, Arthur Miller's The Crucible
Michelle Williams, Blackbird

Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical
Alex Brightman, School of Rock-The Musical
Danny Burstein, Fiddler on the Roof
Zachary Levi, She Loves Me
Lin-Manuel Miranda, Hamilton
Leslie Odom, Jr., Hamilton

Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical
Laura Benanti, She Loves Me
Carmen Cusack, Bright Star
Cynthia Erivo, The Color Purple
Jessie Mueller, Waitress
Phillipa Soo, Hamilton

Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play
Reed Birney, The Humans
Bill Camp, Arthur Miller's The Crucible
David Furr, Noises Off
Richard Goulding, King Charles III
Michael Shannon, Long Day's Journey Into Night

Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play
Pascale Armand, Eclipsed
Megan Hilty, Noises Off
Jayne Houdyshell, The Humans
Andrea Martin, Noises Off
Saycon Sengbloh, Eclipsed

Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical
Daveed Diggs, Hamilton
Brandon Victor Dixon, Shuffle Along, Or the Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed
Christopher Fitzgerald, Waitress
Jonathan Groff, Hamilton
Christopher Jackson, Hamilton

Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical
Danielle Brooks, The Color Purple
Renée Elise Goldsberry, Hamilton
Jane Krakowski, She Loves Me
Jennifer Simard, Disaster!
Adrienne Warren, Shuffle Along, Or the Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed

Best Direction of a Play
Rupert Goold, King Charles III
Jonathan Kent, Long Day's Journey Into Night
Joe Mantello, The Humans
Liesl Tommy, Eclipsed
Ivo Van Hove, Arthur Miller's A View from the Bridge

Best Direction of a Musical
Michael Arden, Spring Awakening
John Doyle, The Color Purple
Scott Ellis, She Loves Me
Thomas Kail, Hamilton
George C. Wolfe, Shuffle Along, Or the Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed

Best Choreography
Andy Blankenbuehler, Hamilton
Savion Glover, Shuffle Along, Or the Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed
Hofesh Shechter, Fiddler on the Roof
Randy Skinner, Dames at Sea
Sergio Trujillo, On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan

Best Orchestrations
August Eriksmoen, Bright Star
Larry Hochman, She Loves Me
Alex Lacamoire, Hamilton
Daryl Waters, Shuffle Along, Or the Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed

Best Scenic Design of a Play
Beowulf Boritt, Thérèse Raquin
Christopher Oram, Hughie
Jan Versweyveld, Arthur Miller's A View from the Bridge
David Zinn, The Humans

Best Scenic Design of a Musical
Es Devlin & Finn Ross, American Psycho
David Korins, Hamilton
Santo Loquasto, Shuffle Along, Or the Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed
David Rockwell, She Loves Me

Best Costume Design of a Play
Jane Greenwood, Long Day's Journey Into Night
Michael Krass, Noises Off
Clint Ramos, Eclipsed
Tom Scutt, King Charles III

Best Costume Design of a Musical
Gregg Barnes, Tuck Everlasting
Jeff Mahshie, She Loves Me
Ann Roth, Shuffle Along, Or the Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed
Paul Tazewell, Hamilton

Best Lighting Design of a Play
Natasha Katz, Long Day's Journey Into Night
Justin Townsend, The Humans
Jan Versweyveld, Arthur Miller's The Crucible
Jan Versweyveld, Arthur Miller's A View from the Bridge

Best Lighting Design of a Musical
Howell Binkley, Hamilton
Jules Fisher & Peggy Eisenhauer, Shuffle Along, Or the Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed
Ben Stanton, Spring Awakening
Justin Townsend, American Psycho

Monday, May 2, 2016

2016 Tony Awards: Nomination Predictions

Best Musical
Hamilton
School of Rock
Shuffle Along
Waitress

Best Play
Eclipsed
The Father
The Humans
King Charles III

Best Revival of a Musical
The Color Purple
Fiddler on the Roof
Spring Awakening

Best Revival of a Play
Blackbird
The Crucible
Long Day's Journey Into Night
A View From the Bridge

Best Actor in a Musical
Alex Brightman "School of Rock"
Danny Burstein "Fiddler on the Roof"
Lin-Manuel Miranda "Hamilton"
Leslie Odom "Hamilton"
Benjamin Walker "American Psycho"

Best Actress in a Musical
Laura Benanti "She Loves Me"
Cynthia Ervo "The Color Purple"
Audra McDonald "Shuffle Along"
Jessie Mueller "Waitress"
Philippa Soo "Hamilton"

Best Actor in a Play
Gabriel Byrne "Long Day's Journey Into Night"
Jeff Daniels "Blackbird"
Frank Langella "The Father"
Tim Pigott-Smith "King Charles III"
Mark Strong "A View From the Bridge"

Best Actress in a Play
Jessica Lange "Long Day's Journey Into Night"
Lupita Nyong'o "Eclipsed"
Sophie Okonedo "The Crucible"
Nicola Walker "A View from the Bridge"
Michelle Williams "Blackbird"

Sunday, May 1, 2016

The 43rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards

Congrats to all the winners!

Outstanding Drama Series - General Hospital
Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series - Tyler Christopher "General Hospital"
Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series - Mary Beth Evans "Days of Our Lives"
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series - Sean Blakemore "General Hospital"
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series - Jessica Collins "The Young and the Restless"
Outstanding Younger Actor in a Drama Series - Bryan Craig "General Hospital"
Outstanding Younger Actress in a Drama Series - True O'Brien "Days of Our Lives"
Outstanding Guest Performer in a Drama Series - Obba Babatunde "The Bold and the Beautiful"
Outstanding Directing Team - General Hospital
Outstanding Writing Team - The Bold and the Beautiful
Outstanding Talk Show - Entertainment - The Talk
Outstanding Talk Show - Informative - The Chew
Outstanding Talk Show Host - Entertainment - Kelly Ripa and Michael Strahan "Live with Kelly and Michael"
Outstanding Talk Show Host - Informative - Dr. Mehmet Oz "The Dr. Oz Show"
Outstanding Morning Program - CBS Sunday Morning
Outstanding Entertainment News Program - Extra
Outstanding Game Show - The Price is Right
Outstanding Game Show Host - Craig Ferguson "Celebrity Name Game"
Outstanding Entertainment Program in Spanish - Super Latina
Outstanding Morning Program in Spanish - Cafe CNN
Outstanding Daytime Talent in a Spanish Program - Gaby Natale "Super Latina"

The 61st Annual Drama Desk Award Nominations

Outstanding Play 
The Christians
The Humans
John
King Charles III
The Royale

Outstanding Musical 
First Daughter Suite
Daddy Long Legs
School of Rock
Shuffle Along
Waitress

Outstanding Revival of a Play
Cloud Nine
Death of a Salesman
Henry IV
Long Day’s Journey Into Night
A View From the Bridge
Women Without Men

Outstanding Revival of a Musical
The Color Purple
The Golden Bride
Fiddler on the Roof
She Loves Me
Spring Awakening

Outstanding Actor in a PlayAndrew Garman, The Christians
Avi Hoffman, Death of a Salesman
Frank Langella, The Father
Tim Pigott-Smith, King Charles III
Mark Strong, A View From the Bridge

Outstanding Actress in a Play
Georgia Engel, John
Mamie Gummer, Ugly Lies the Bone
Marin Ireland, Ironbound
Jessica Lange, Long Day’s Journey Into Night
Nicola Walker, A View From the Bridge

Outstanding Actor in a Musical
Danny Burstein, Fiddler on the Roof
Robert Creighton, Cagney
Michael C. Hall, Lazarus
Zachary Levi, She Loves Me
Benjamin Walker, American Psycho

Outstanding Actress in a Musical
Laura Benanti, She Loves Me
Carmen Cusack, Bright Star
Cynthia Erivo, The Color Purple
Jessie Mueller, Waitress
Annette O’Toole, Southern Comfort

Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play
Bill Camp, The Crucible
David Furr, Noises Off
Matt McGrath, The Legend of Georgia McBride
Richard Thomas, Incident at Vichy
Michael Shannon, Long Day's Journey Into Night

Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play
Brooke Bloom, Cloud Nine
Megan Hilty, Noises Off
Kellie Overbey, Women Without Men
Saycon Sengbloh, Eclipsed
Jeanine Serralles, Gloria

Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical
Nicholas Barasch, She Loves Me
Christopher Fitzgerald, Waitress
Baylee Littrell, Disaster!
Paul Alexander Nolan, Bright Star
A.J. Shively, Bright Star

Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical
Danielle Brooks, The Color Purple
Alison Fraser, First Daughter Suite
Rachel Bay Jones, Dear Evan Hansen
Jane Krakowski, She Loves Me
Mary Testa, First Daughter Suite

Outstanding Director of a Play
Rachel Chavkin, The Royale
Sam Gold, John
Rupert Goold, King Charles III
Joe Mantello, The Humans
Jenn Thompson, Women Without Men
Ivo van Hove, A View From the Bridge

Outstanding Director of a Musical
Michael Arden, Spring Awakening
John Doyle, The Color Purple
Rupert Goold, American Psycho
Bartlett Sher, Fiddler on the Roof
Bryna Wasserman, Motl Didner, The Golden Bride

Outstanding Choreography
Joshua Bergasse, Cagney
Spencer Liff, Spring Awakening
Lynne Page, American Psycho
Randy Skinner, Dames at Sea
Savion Glover, Shuffle Along

Outstanding Music
Sara Bareilles, Waitress
Michael John LaChiusa, First Daughter Suite
Andrew Lloyd Webber, School of Rock
The Lobbyists, SeaWife, Naked Angels
Steve Martin and Edie Brickell, Bright Star

Outstanding Lyrics
Sara Bareilles, Waitress
Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, Dear Evan Hansen
Glenn Slater, School of Rock
Michael John LaChiusa, First Daughter Suite

Outstanding Orchestrations
August Eriksmoen, Bright Star
Larry Hochman, She Loves M
Joseph Joubert/Catherine Jayes, The Color Purple
Andrew Lloyd Webber, School of Rock
Michael Starobin/Bruce Coughlin, First Daughter Suite

Outstanding Music in a Play
Billie Joe Armstrong, These Paper Bullets!
Estelle Bajou, Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally
Shaun Davey, Pericles
Philip Glass, The Crucible
Tom Kitt, Cymbeline

Outstanding Set Design for a Play
Riccardo Hernandez, Red Speedo
Mimi Lien, John
G.W. Mercier, Head of Passes
Christopher Oram, Hughie
Derek McLane, Fully Committed

Outstanding Set Design for a Musical
Es Devlin, American Psycho
Emily Orling, Matt Saunders, Eric Farber, Futurity
David Rockwell, She Loves Me

Outstanding Costume Design for a Play
Jessica Ford, These Paper Bullets!
Martha Hally, Women Without Men
Constance Hoffman, Pericles
William Ivey Long, Shows for Days
Anita Yavich, The Legend of Georgia McBride
 
Outstanding Costume Design for a Musical
Jane Greenwood, Bright Star
Katrina Lindsay, American Psycho
Jeff Mahshie, She Loves Me
Alejo Vietti, Allegiance
Ann Roth, Shuffle Along

Outstanding Lighting Design for a Play
Neil Austin, Hughie
Mark Barton, John
Bradley King, Empanada Loca
Tyler Micoleau, Antlia Pneumatic
Justin Townsend, The Humans

Outstanding Lighting Design for a Musical
Jane Cox, The Color Purple
Jake DeGroot, SeaWife
Ben Stanton, Spring Awakening
Justin Townsend, American Psycho
Jules Fisher/Peggy Eisenhauer, Shuffle Along

Outstanding Projection Design
Nicholas Hussong, These Paper Bullets!
Darrel Maloney, Tappin’ Thru Life
Peter Nigrini, Dear Evan Hansen
Finn Ross, American Psycho
Tal Yarden, Lazarus

Outstanding Sound Design in a Play 
Fitz Patton, An Act of God
Fitz Patton, The Humans
Miles Polaski, Fulfillment
Bray Poor, John
Ryan Rumery, Empanada Loca

Outstanding Sound Design in a Musical
Mick Potter, School of Rock
Brian Ronan, Lazarus
Nevin Steinberg, Bright Star
Dan Moses Schreier, American Psycho
Scott Lehrer, Shuffle Along

Outstanding Wig and Hair 
David Brian Brown, She Loves Me
Jason Hayes, The Legend of Georgia McBride
Robert-Charles Vallance, Women Without Men
Charles G. LaPointe, The School for Scandal,
Mia M. Neal, Shuffle Along

Outstanding Solo Performance 
Simon Callow, Tuesdays at Tesco’s
Kathleen Chalfant, Rose
James Lecesne, The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey
Daphne Rubin-Vega, Empanada Loca
Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Fully Committed

Unique Theatrical Experience
ADA/AVA, Manual Cinema/3LD/The Tank
Antigona – Soledad Barrio/Noche Flamenca
That Physics Show
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show
YOUARENOWHERE – 3LD/The Tank

Special Awards

The Humans – Special Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Ensemble
Cassie Beck, Reed Birney, Jayne Houdyshell, Lauren Klein, Arian Moayed, and Sarah Steele spend a very special Thanksgiving Day together in Stephen Karam’s play, reminding us that home is indeed where The Humans are.

The Royale – Special Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Ensemble
The heavyweight cast of McKinley Belcher III, Khris Davis, Montego Glover, John Lavelle, and Clarke Peters gels as a unit in bringing Marco Ramirez’s story, inspired by Jack Johnson, to unforgettable life, offering a trenchant statement on racism in America.

Sheldon Harnick – Special Drama Desk Award 
New productions of Fiddler on the Roof, Rothschild and Sons, and She Loves Me this season remind us that this veteran lyricist’s takes on faith, family and community are as resonant as ever.

Camp Broadway – Special Drama Desk Award 
For more than 20 years, this indispensable organization has introduced young people to the magic of theater. Camp Broadway plays a crucial role in creating tomorrow’s audiences.

Danai Gurira – Sam Norkin Award
Whether writing about women in wartime Liberia in Eclipsed or about an affluent immigrant family from Zimbabwe struggling with assimilation in Familiar, Danai Gurira demonstrates great insight, range, and depth, bringing a fresh new voice to American theater.

The 82nd Annual Drama League Award Nominations

OUTSTANDING PRODUCTION OF A BROADWAY OR OFF-BROADWAY PLAY
10 Out Of 12
Eclipsed
The Father
Gloria
Hir
The Humans
King Charles III
Marjorie Prime
The Royale
Skeleton Crew

OUTSTANDING REVIVAL OF A BROADWAY OR OFF-BROADWAY PLAY
Awake and Sing!
Blackbird
Cloud Nine
The Crucible
The Gin Game
Long Day’s Journey into Night
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Noises Off
Sense and Sensibility
A View from the Bridge

OUTSTANDING PRODUCTION OF A BROADWAY OR OFF-BROADWAY MUSICAL
American Psycho
Bright Star
Dear Evan Hansen
Futurity
Hamilton
iOW@
On Your Feet!
School of Rock, The Musical
Tuck Everlasting
Waitress

OUTSTANDING REVIVAL OF A BROADWAY OR OFF-BROADWAY MUSICAL
The Color Purple
Dames at Sea
Fiddler on the Roof
She Loves Me
Spring Awakening

NOMINEES FOR THE DISTINGUISHED PERFORMANCE AWARD
Nina Arianda, Fool for Love
Annaleigh Ashford, Sylvia
Laura Benanti, She Loves Me
Reed Birney, The Humans
Alex Brightman, School of Rock, The Musical
Danny Burstein, Fiddler on the Roof
Timothée Chalamet, Prodigal Son
Kelley Curran, The Dingdong
Carmen Cusack, Bright Star
Jeff Daniels, Blackbird
Khris Davis, The Royale
Daveed Diggs, Hamilton
Georgia Engel, John
Cynthia Erivo, The Color Purple
Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Fully Committed
Lynda Gravatt, Skeleton Crew
Michael C. Hall, Lazarus
Anne Hathaway, Grounded
Megan Hilty, Noises Off
Jackie Hoffman, Once Upon a Mattress
Jayne Houdyshell, The Humans
Jennifer Hudson, The Color Purple
Marin Ireland, Ironbound
Andrew Keenan-Bolger, Tuck Everlasting
Leslie Kritzer, The Robber Bridegroom
Jessica Lange, Long Day's Journey into Night
Judith Light, Thérèse Raquin
Zachary Levi, She Loves Me
Lin-Manuel Miranda, Hamilton
Jessie Mueller, Waitress
Kristine Nielsen, Hir
Lupita Nyong'o, Eclipsed
Sophie Okonedo, The Crucible
Annette O'Toole, Southern Comfort
Tim Pigott-Smith, King Charles III
Ben Platt, Dear Evan Hansen
Phylicia Rashad, Head of Passes
Sam Rockwell, Fool for Love
Thomas Jay Ryan, 10 Out of 12
Michael Shannon, Long Day's Journey into Night
Jennifer Simard, Disaster!
Lois Smith, Marjorie Prime and John
Mark Strong, A View from the Bridge
Cicely Tyson, The Gin Game
Michael Urie, Shows for Days
Ana Villafañe, On Your Feet!
Benjamin Walker, American Psycho
Nicola Walker, A View from the Bridge
Ben Whishaw, The Crucible
Michelle Williams, Blackbird

Previous Distinguished Performance Award Winners in a Production This Year
James Earl Jones "The Gin Game"
Patti LuPone "Shows For Days"
Frank Langella "The Father"
Mary-Louise Parker "Heisenberg"
Mark Rylance "Nice Fish"
Sam Waterston "The Tempest"

Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre 
Sheldon Harnick

Unique Contribution to the Theatre
Deaf West Theatre

Founders Award for Excellence in Directing
Ivo van Hove

The Outer Critics Circle Award Nominations

The last two weeks have been hectic with two final papers due, and I have missed all, I mean ALL of the Tony precursors, and since final nomination predictions are tomorrow, and the nominations are due out Tuesday, it is time for me to look at all three precursors. First up is the Outer Critics Circle. Remember, Hamilton wasn't eligible here this year, as it swept last years as an off-Broadway production:

OUTSTANDING NEW BROADWAY PLAY
Eclipsed
The Father
The Humans
King Charles III
Thérèse Raquin

OUTSTANDING NEW BROADWAY MUSICAL
American Psycho: The Musical
Bright Star
On Your Feet!
Tuck Everlasting: The Musical
Waitress

OUTSTANDING NEW OFF-BROADWAY PLAY
The Christians
Familiar
Gloria
Hold On to Me Darling
The Legend of Georgia McBride

OUTSTANDING NEW OFF-BROADWAY MUSICAL
Cagney
Daddy Long Legs
Dear Evan Hansen
Lazarus
Southern Comfort

OUTSTANDING ACTOR IN A PLAY
Reed Birney "The Humans"
Gabriel Byrne "Long Day’s Journey Into Night"
Frank Langella "The Father"
Mark Strong "A View From the Bridge"
Ben Whishaw "The Crucible"

OUTSTANDING ACTRESS IN A PLAY
Jayne Houdyshell "The Humans"
Jessica Lange "Long Day’s Journey Into Night"
Lupita Nyong’o "Eclipsed"
Nicola Walker "A View From the Bridge"
Michelle Williams "Blackbird"

OUTSTANDING ACTOR IN A MUSICAL
Alex Brightman "School of Rock: The Musical"
Danny Burstein "Fiddler on the Roof"
Robert Creighton "Cagney"
Ben Platt "Dear Evan Hansen"
Benjamin Walker "American Psycho: The Musical"

OUTSTANDING ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL
Laura Benanti "She Loves Me"
Carmen Cusack "Bright Star"
Cynthia Erivo "The Color Purple: The Musical"
Jessie Mueller "Waitress"
Ana Villafañe "On Your Feet!"

OUTSTANDING FEATURED ACTOR IN A PLAY
Sanjit De Silva "Dry Powder"
Matt McGrath "The Legend of Georgia McBride"
Jim Norton "The Crucible"
Robert Sella "Sylvia"
Michael Shannon "Long Day’s Journey Into Night"

OUTSTANDING FEATURED ACTRESS IN A PLAY
Pascale Armand "Eclipsed"
Zainab Jah "Eclipsed"
Judith Light "Thérèse Raquin"
Saycon Sengbloh "Eclipsed"
Myra Lucretia "Taylor Familiar"

OUTSTANDING FEATURED ACTOR IN A MUSICAL
Nicholas Barasch "She Loves Me"
Roger Bart "Disaster!"
Michael Esper "Lazarus"
Christopher Fitzgerald "Waitress"
Terrence Mann "Tuck Everlasting: The Musical"

OUTSTANDING FEATURED ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL
Danielle Brooks "The Color Purple: The Musical"
Andrea Burns "On Your Feet!"
Sophia Anne Caruso "Lazarus"
Jane Krakowski "She Loves Me"
Heléne Yorke "American Psycho: The Musical"

OUTSTANDING BOOK OF A MUSICAL (Broadway or Off-Broadway)
Bright Star
Daddy Long Legs
Dear Evan Hansen
Lazarus
On Your Feet!

OUTSTANDING NEW SCORE (Broadway or Off-Broadway)
American Psycho the Musical
Bright Star
Daddy Long Legs
Dear Evan Hansen
Waitress

OUTSTANDING REVIVAL OF A PLAY (Broadway or Off-Broadway)
Blackbird
The Crucible
Fool for Love
Long Day’s Journey Into Night
A View From the Bridge

OUTSTANDING REVIVAL OF A MUSICAL (Broadway or Off-Broadway)
The Color Purple: The Musical
Dames at Sea
Fiddler on the Roof
She Loves Me
Spring Awakening

OUTSTANDING DIRECTOR OF A PLAY
Evan Cabnet "Gloria"
Mike Donahue "The Legend of Georgia McBride"
Rupert Goold "King Charles III"
Joe Mantello "The Humans"
Ivo Van Hove "A View From the Bridge"

OUTSTANDING DIRECTOR OF A MUSICAL
Michael Arden "Spring Awakening"
Walter Bobbie "Bright Star"
Scott Ellis "She Loves Me"
Rupert Goold "American Psycho: The Musical"
Michael Greif "Dear Evan Hansen"

OUTSTANDING CHOREOGRAPHER
Cagney
Spring Awakening
Bright Star
Dames at Sea
On Your Feet!

OUTSTANDING SET DESIGN (Play or Musical)
Thérèse Raquin
Misery
John
She Loves Me
Tuck Everlasting: The Musical

OUTSTANDING COSTUME DESIGN (Play or Musical)
On Your Feet!
Bright Star
American Psycho: The Musical
She Loves Me
King Charles III

OUTSTANDING LIGHTING DESIGN (Play or Musical)
She Loves Me
Long Day’s Journey Into Night
On Your Feet!
Spring Awakening
American Psycho: The Musical

OUTSTANDING PROJECTION DESIGN (Play or Musical)
Spring Awakening
Grounded
Dear Evan Hansen
American Psycho: The Musical
Lazarus

OUTSTANDING SOLO PERFORMANCE
Mike Birbiglia "Thank God For Jokes"
Kathleen Chalfant "Rose"
Anne Hathaway "Grounded "
James Lecesne "The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey"
Daphne Rubin-Vega "Empanada Loca"

JOHN GASSNER AWARD (Presented for an American play, preferably by a new playwright)
Lindsey Ferrentino "Ugly Lies the Bone"
Lauren Gunderson "I and You"
Martyna Majok "Ironbound"
Marco Ramirez "The Royale"
Anna Ziegler "Boy"

SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
James Houghton Signature Theatre Company